Princess Kate Middleton marks birthday with meaningful style choice
On January 9, 2026, Princess Kate Middleton shared a special video message on social media to celebrate her 44th birthday. Instead of posting a traditional portrait as she has done in past years, the Princess of Wales released the final video of her Mother Nature series, which featured her narrating each of the four seasons.
In the clip, eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed that she brought back an accessory from almost twenty years ago. It was a brown and blue paisley cashmere scarf by designer Katherine Hooker that she first wore in 2007. At that time, she was attending the Cheltenham Festival on her own because her then-boyfriend, Prince William, was not present. However, other members of the royal family, including Princess Anne and Zara Tindall, were among the guests at the racing event.
Kate connects past and present styles with familiar items
In the Mother Nature video, the Princess of Wales paired the classic scarf with a Barbour x Alexa Chung jacket and an Iris and Ink jumper. She completed the look with Penelope Chilvers Long Tassel boots and a baker boy hat from The House of Bruar. The outfit appeared casual and practical, matching the tone of the nature-themed project video.
In comparison, her style in 2007 reflected the trends of that decade of that era. Back then, she was photographed wearing a scarf with a pale blue tweed blazer, also by Katherine Hooker, a brown skirt, and a beret-inspired hat. At the time, Kate Middleton was working as an accessories buyer at Jigsaw, so fashion played a central role in her daily life.
Birthday video follows early-year royal engagement
Princess Kate Middleton’s birthday celebration came soon after her first public appearance of the year. On January 9, 2026, she joined Prince William at Charing Cross Hospital in west London to highlight the work of NHS staff and volunteers. She wore a maroon Roland Mouret suit, a blouse by ME + EM, and carried a De “Mellier Midi Hudson” bag.
The Prince and Princess of Wales surprised @NHSuk staff at Charing Cross Hospital, in a visit to thank NHS workers for their efforts over a difficult winter. During the visit, Catherine, who is in remission from cancer, spoke to a volunteer with chemotherapy patients. pic.twitter.com/RRCwz2lj9e
— Roya Nikkhah (@RoyaNikkhah) January 8, 2026
During the visit, she spoke with a volunteer who supports patients undergoing chemotherapy. The Princess of Wales, who underwent preventative treatment in 2024 and is now in remission, showed understanding and empathy. The volunteer mentioned how patients and visitors are there “for hours.” Princess Kate showed empathy, touching Prince William’s arm next to her and saying, “We know.”
